A tornado east of Enchant was one of several in southern Alberta on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Photo: Damon Wolfer)

By David Opinko

Nine tornados confirmed in southern Alberta Wednesday

Jun 16, 2023 | 10:43 AM

ENCHANT, AB – Environment Canada said it investigated many reports and photos of tornadoes and funnel clouds in southern Alberta this week.

On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, a tornado warning was issued for several communities across the region as a pair of severe thunderstorms resulted in the necessary conditions for tornadoes to develop.

Environment Canada has confirmed a total of nine tornadoes in the region, including:

• Four tornadoes near Iron Springs between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m.
• Two tornadoes near Enchant between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m.
• One tornado near Lake Newall around 4:10 p.m.
• One tornado near Brooks around 4:30 p.m.
• One tornado near Cabin Lake around 6:00 p.m.

As well, there was one tornado near Vermillion, east of Edmonton, around 4:30 p.m.

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The weather agency notes that the times listed above are all approximate.

The tornadoes all had a preliminary rating of EF-0 and only minor damage has been reported at this time.

Environment Canada also reported heavy rain in several central and northern Alberta communities between Wednesday morning and mid-day on Thursday. All of the following numbers are measured in millimetres and include:

• Olds: 80.3
• Red Deer: 67.7
• Lacombe: 60.2
• Prentiss: 58.8
• Wimborne: 58.5
• Edmonton Int’l Airport: 56.1
• Bow Valley: 55.2
• Thorsby: 53.9
• Nier: 53.8
• Edmonton (Blatchford): 52.7
• Elk Island: 52.1
• Delburne: 49.3
• Crestomere: 49

Between Tuesday evening and Thursday evening, a two-day total of 77.9 mm of rain fell over Fort McMurray.

Earlier stories may be found here.